Gypsies and Travellers in Darlington Borough

Darlington has a long association with Gypsies and other Travelling groups.

The Darlington Local Plan 2016-36 makes provision for travelling groups at the existing larger council owned sites together with other smaller, often private, sites within the Borough.

More information can be found within Policy H9 of the Darlington Borough Local Plan 2016-2036.

The Gypsy and Travellers Accommodation Assessment 2025 [pdf document] reported that:

• There are currently 152 pitches in Darlington Borough and 16 transit pitches.
• Darlington Borough is well catered for in terms of supply of pitches.
• An annual need of 1.8 pitches per 5 years was identified from 2025-2029.
• Further need has arisen for 2030-2042. It is estimated that 37 pitches are needed, which equals 2.8 pitches per year.
• No need for plots for Travelling Showpeople has been identified until 2042.